Apart from the two major launches it introduced, Patek Philippe also released a slew of new line extensions.
When Patek Philippe announced prior to the Watches & Wonders 2021 virtual watch fair that it was discontinuing the Ref. 5711/1A-010 after a 15-year run, speculation was rife that the reference itself would be replaced with a new and improved model. A frenzy over the model ensued.
However, since the announcement of the Ref. 5711/1A-014, the market has calmed slightly, even if collectors are still craving for the simple Nautilus with a blue dial. The new edition of the iconic Ref. 5711 now comes in an olive green sunburst dial – a color that’s new to Patek Philippe in general.
Green With Envy
While it certainly surprised everyone from collectors to retailers, interest in the model has quickly ticked upwards. Green is a dial color that has steadily gained in popularity in the last 6 years or so, and it’s an acknowledgement by Patek Philippe’s design team that they definitely need to keep up with collector interest in styles. It certainly stands out in the collection.
Nothing else is different about the watch technically; after all, Patek Philippe has already introduced 2 major movements for the new Ref. 5236P In-Line Perpetual Calendar and Ref. 6119 Calatrava. A second and brand new model, the Ref. 5711/1300A-001, (in steel, no less!) is aimed at both men and women who aren’t afraid of a bit of bling on the wrist. It features a bezel set with 32 flawless top Wesselton baguette-cut diamonds with a unique trapezoidal design, to fit in with the design of the Nautilus bezel.
Both models are already available for order, in line with Patek Philippe’s directive of ensuring that watches are immediately accessible to customers when they are announced, although the waiting list for both editions appear to be relatively long. One can only wonder which other model will be receiving the same sunburst green dial in the future.
Two New Nautilus Models in Rose Gold
Patek Philippe did not neglect the collectors who have been clamoring for more sophisticated Nautilus models. The Ref. 5990/1R-001 takes the latest double complication Travel Time Chronograph to new golden heights with a rose gold case and bracelet, to join its stainless steel sibling. It’s beautifully executed with a blue sunburst dial, powered by the in-house CH 28-250 C FUS caliber with a single 60-minute counter and analogue date display.
The Travel Time complication, which we recently covered, has a long history within Patek Philippe, dating right to the early days of flight, and modernized in recent decades. In the last 20 years, it’s firmly taken consistent form, with day/night indications for local and home time and a central second time zone hour hand. It’s appeared across different Patek Philippe collections, and in rose gold, looks stunning.
The larger Nautilus has had a great range behind it, but its newer models for ladies did not possess a high jewelry model until this year. The new Ref. 7118/1450R in rose gold now comes in a full pavé setting powered by the fully mechanical caliber 324 S with central seconds.
Amid a completely diamond-encrusted setting, the watch bears 2,553 diamonds on the dial, bracelet, bezel and crown protectors for a total of 12.69 carats of gemstones, all flawless top Wesselton brilliant-cut diamonds. The dial’s soft waves also bear rose gold applied markers with the fully set dial, making this a real feat of design to ensure every part of the dial, case and bracelet are diamond-clad.
A New Annual Calendar for Everyone
Patek Philippe has always held an important place in its collections for ladies. The Twenty~4 Automatic is its frontline model for independent women, but it’s not the only range for ladies who love complications. The new Annual Calendar with Moon Phases, Ref. 4947/1A-001 surprised us with a steel model release, featuring the well-regarded caliber 324 S QA LU. Analogue counters show the day and month, with a date window at 6 o’clock. The date function only needs to be adjusted for leap years, and a beautiful moon phase display above the date window is accurate to 122 years.
The dial features the linen style “shantung” finish in blue, a stunning and sophisticated look that’s coupled with applied Arabic numerals in a Serif font, and feuille hands with luminous paint for easy legibility in the dark. Sized at 38mm and a smidge over 10mm thick, it’s an ideal watch for daily wear by both men and women, and a rare appearance of an advanced complication on a steel model.
A New Ladies’ Calatrava
In yet another notable update for ladies, the Ladies’ Calatrava has been sized up slightly to 35mm and fitted out with one of Patek Philippe’s most notable movements: the ultra-thin, self-winding caliber 240. The dial of the Ref. 4997/200G-001 is absolutely stunning, guilloched and lacquered in a vivid midnight blue, creating a wave of color as light plays off the display.
Adding to this is the use of faceted dauphine hands with tapered indexes that add a seamless symmetry to the sunray guilloché. On the back, the caliber 240 is fully exhibited through the caseback. The bezel features 76 round-cut internally flawless Wesselton diamonds. It comes with a satinated calfskin strap that matches the striking blue dial. For ladies desiring a watch for every day and every night, this is a handsome option.
We’re sure that’s not all that Patek Philippe will be offering up this year, but for now, our appetites are more than sated. The new novelties are available at Cortina Watch. Please contact your sales representative or book a boutique appointment to find out more.
Discover more on Patek Philippe’s new 2021 watches.
Related Read:
2021 New Model: Introducing the Patek Philippe Ref. 5236P-001 In-Line Perpetual Calendar
2021 New Model: Introducing the Patek Philippe Ref. 6119 Calatrava “Clous de Paris”